1981 Laked Goal Post

“Laking” The Goal Posts (1981-1991) Many fans mentioned the traditions of storming the field after a big win, or climbing the posts, or tearing them down. NU’s fans had torn down the goal posts several times in the 1950s and ‘60s and would continue to until Barnett came in December 1991. However, the curious and unique tradition of actually throwing the posts in Lake Michigan began with the infamous MSU game in 1981, when NU broke the NCAA losing streak record. Further parades to the lake happened with several big wins. Most of the goal post pieces, after a nice soaking, eventually made their way into fraternity houses as barroom centerpieces.

http://hailtopurple.com/features/traditions.html

The Daily Northwestern - Tuesday, November 10, 1981

Salvage set for laked goal post

The Northwestern football players have showered and dried since Saturday's game, but Dyche Stadium's south goal post still lies soaking in lake water. It will take a little more than a shower to put it back in order.

Jim Sheffield, NU’s director of operations, is expected to don his wet suit at 11 a.m. today and embark on a boat expedition from the North Beach to salvage the sunken goal post from the bottom of Lake Michigan.

"If they had just torn it (the goal post) down, the cost of the damage would have been between $200 and $300," Sheffield said. “Goal posts are made to be torn down. We'd only have to pay for reinstallation.

"IF WE RECOVER the goal post, undamaged, the cost of the ordeal should range between $500 to $600 for reinstallation, draining, painting and rustproofing," Sheffield said.

If the salvaging expedition is fruitless, or the post is cracked, "the cost of a new goal post plus installation should be about $1,500 to $1,600,” Sheffield estimated.

A new goal post, identical to the submerged one, will not be ready for the remaining home game, against Illinois on Nov. 21. "Our goal posts are specially cast with curves in them. That takes more time," Sheffield said. "However, a god post with ninety-degree angles can be put up right away," he added.

Right now it doesn't appear any legal action will be taken against the goal post vandals. "We didn't nab any students, so we don't plan on taking any action," said Richard Woods, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety.

Sheffield said he was more upset about the behavior of the crowd than he was about the damage.

"THE VANDALS were intoxicated, pushing 60-year-old ushers and fighting with cops. Half the people had nothing to do with Northwestern. It makes me wonder what kind of crowd we're attracting."

Ken Kraft, associate director of public affairs, said he thought the goal post incident was "rather exciting." "We don't want it every time, but it was just natural enthusiasm that bubbled over. I can't remember the last time the goal posts went down.”

By Ruth Podems Daily Reporter